Cops: Men Shot On SEPTA El Train Over Sports Debate

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Police say two men were shot aboard a SEPTA El train following over an argument with two teenagers over sports.

The shooting happened at about 10:30 p.m. Thursday on a SEPTA El train in West Philadelphia.

According to investigators, the shooting all started over trash talking about the 76ers-Bulls game that just ended at the Wells Fargo Center.

Detectives say a 35-year-old male wearing a Chicago Bulls jersey was on the Market Frankford El when two males, described as about 17-or-19 years old, started talking trash.

Lieutenant John Walker says those words eventually turned into obscenities.

“The 35-year-old says ‘listen man, this train’s filled with people, there’s young kids, there’s ladies in here, you need to watch your mouth young boy.’ Of course, that escalates it a little further and we have a 30-year-old male who’s on the train, who’s behind the 35-year-old who says ‘listen it’s not worth it, these young boys, just let’s cool out,’” Walker explained.

WARNING: Graphic Video Of Shooting(Courtesy: Philadelphia Police)

Walker says when the train stopped at the 46th and Market stop, the teens got off the train, and one of them turned and fired a shot into the train-car. The bullet hit both the 35-year-old and 30-year-old.

Walker says the 35-year-old was hit in the stomach and the bullet exited through his back. That bullet then struck the 30-year-old victim in the leg.

The 35-year-old victim is listed in critical condition, while the 30-year-old is in stable condition.

Detectives say approximately 35 passengers were on-board the El train when the incident happened. No other injuries were reported.

“You can have disagreements, but the answer isn’t pulling out a gun and firing and trying to resolve it. It doesn’t make you a bigger man, it doesn’t make you a better person, it makes you an idiot,” Walker said.